Mandate exclusive
In the picturesque region of Jammu & Kashmir, education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of young minds. The J&K UT is home to many private schools, many of which operate under the banner of “Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society”. While these institutions are often lauded for their quality of education, an increasing concern among parents is the exploitative practices that some of these schools have adopted. Now the particular concern is the emerging pattern of the schools creating their own agent shops and mandating the purchase of specific textbooks and stationery items, often at exorbitant prices. These practices have led to questions surrounding the ethical integrity of these educational institutions, with allegations of profiteering and financial exploitation becoming ever more widespread.
At the heart of this issue lies the relationship between the private schools and the vendors who provide textbooks, uniforms, and other necessary materials. It is not uncommon for schools, particularly those under “Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society”, to have arrangements where school authorities receive significant commissions from these suppliers/vendors. In some cases, it is rumoured that these commissions are the main driving force behind the selection of books and suppliers/vendors, rather than the quality or appropriateness of the materials for students. These suppliers/vendors does not even provide the bills of purchase.
This situation raises several ethical and moral concerns. First and foremost is the exploitation of parents, who are already burdened with the rising costs of education. It is well-known that parents in Jammu and Kashmir, especially those who are part of the middle class, struggle to afford the steep tuition fees charged by these private institutions. To add to their financial woes, the additional mandatory costs of school-specific textbooks, uniforms, and stationery, often priced at a premium, only exacerbate the pressure. The situation becomes even more alarming when parents realize that these additional charges are not for the benefit of the students, but rather to line the pockets of school authorities and affiliated suppliers.
While many private schools, particularly those under religious or charitable institutions, claim to operate with the best interests of students at heart, such practices suggest a shift towards profit-driven motives. Schools should, at the very least, be transparent about their arrangements with vendors and suppliers, and provide parents with more affordable alternatives to school-required materials. Moreover, regulatory bodies should be more vigilant in monitoring these practices and ensuring that schools are not exploiting families financially under the guise of educational advancement.
It is essential that the authorities, both within the religious educational framework and the broader educational administration, recognize the need for reforms that promote ethical practices in schools. Transparency, accountability, and fairness should be the cornerstone of private educational institutions, particularly those operating under religious auspices. Schools must move away from the model of financial exploitation and focus on creating environments that prioritize the holistic development of their students, free from the pressures of excessive commercialization.
In conclusion, while schools working under the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society may have started with the noble intention of providing quality education, it is increasingly evident that some have veered away from their mission in favour of profiteering. The consequences of such practices are felt by parents, students, and the wider community. The School Education Minister of J&K is known for her honesty & integrity and the appropriate action will be taken by the Govt.
of J&K.
